SUMMARY
With the Power and the Saints both coming off losses, this is a crucial encounter as spots in the finals heat up. Question marks about the Power’s premiership credentials remain after their 23-point defeat to Melbourne last weekend. But with four of their last five games against teams outside the top eight, the fifth-placed Power (40 points; 132.1 per cent) are in a great position to return to the finals for the first time since 2014. However, what they are after is a top-four spot and a double-chance in the finals. These are the types of games they simply must win. It's crunch time for the Saints (11th, 36 points, 96.7 per cent) with their season hanging in the balance. The Saints haven't beaten the Power in six years and are also yet to return from Adelaide Oval with a victory.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, July 29, 4.05pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2016, Port Adelaide 20.13 (133) d St Kilda 15.10 (100) at Adelaide Oval
R18, 2015, Port Adelaide 17.10 (112) d St Kilda 6.13 (49) at Adelaide Oval
R12, 2014, Port Adelaide 19.15 (129) d St Kilda 9.5 (59) at Adelaide Oval
R17, 2013, Port Adelaide 14.13 (97) d St Kilda 13.14 (92) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2012, Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) d St Kilda 13.7 (85) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Since smashing Richmond in round 16 by 67 points, the Saints have lost consecutive games by a combined 103 points, kicking 16 goals to 31.
2. Port Adelaide and St Kilda meet for the 28th time. The Power holds a clear advantage, winning 17 games to 10, including the last five. The Saints' most recent win was in round 16, 2011.
3. The Power are the best defensive team in the competition after 17 games, conceding only 77 points per game. They have given up 100 points in a game only three times this season.
4. Not in St Kilda’s favour is its record at Adelaide Oval, losing all seven trips to the venue, with five by more than 50 points. The Power are five wins from eight games at Adelaide Oval this year.
5. Port Adelaide continues to struggle against top-eight teams, defeating only one team who started the round in the eight - West Coast in round 16. St Kilda is only marginally better, defeating two top-eight teams.
6. After a career-high 37 possessions against Sydney last weekend, St Kilda midfielder Seb Ross has risen to 42nd in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The 24-year-old has improved 125 spots this season after ending last year ranked 167th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Patrick Ryder. The Power ruckman has had an outstanding season, but had his colours lowered for one of the few times this year by All-Australian Max Gawn last weekend. Ryder's hit-outs to advantage are crucial to the Power winning the midfield battle.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 32 points
